I started this account on Caringbridge.org 3 1/2 years ago, entering numerous photos and comments at the beginning of Neil's "life-after-stroke" journey.  After a long lapse, as months turned into years, Neil's journey has come to an end.

Neil passed from this earthly life on April 26, 2022. Tomorrow (Friday, April 29) there will be a visitation at the Sytsema Funeral Home - Lee Chapel from 5 - 8pm. On Saturday, April 30 there will be a funeral service at our church, First Congregational Church UCC Muskegon at 11 am. 

I would like to quote a poem that pretty much expresses our family's emotions.

Broken Chain

We little knew that morning
God was to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
in death we do the same.

It broke our hearts to lose you,
You did not go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.

You left us beautiful memories,
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you,
You are always at our side.

Our family chain is broken,
and nothing seems the same,
But as God call us one by one,
The chain will link again.

OBITUARY

 Walter "Neil" Spink, age 73, met his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 26, 2022. He was born on June 1, 1948 to Walter and Margaret "Jo" (O'Neil) Spink in Pontiac, MI. He spent most of his childhood in Rochester, MI and attended the Rochester school systems. After high school, Neil attended Alma College where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. He then continued his education at the University of Detroit School of Dental Surgery where he earned his Doctorate. Neil used his education to follow his dreams in becoming a dentist. He later opened his own practice, W. Neil Spink DDS in Imlay City, MI where he worked for 32 years before retiring in 2005. On May 2, 1970, he married the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Carolyn Gullen in Bloomfield Hills, MI. Together they cherished 51 years full of love, laughter and many adventures. In his earlier years, Neil was a talented swimmer and competed from junior high all way into college. He was also an avid golfer and enjoyed being on the greens. He was blessed with the ability to sing like his mother, Jo and shared his talents in many environments. He participated in the church choir, community choir and sang at funerals. Neil was a man of many hobbies but had a passion for archaeology. He was a member of the Archaeological Society and took specific interest in Native American archaeology. Neil and Carolyn also enjoyed traveling and exploring new adventures. He was a brilliant and witty man with a tender-loving heart. Neil will always be remembered for his great sense of humor and love for a good pun; the "punster" as many would say. Above all, he was a family man, always cherishing the memories he made with them. Neil was a loving husband, proud father, doting grandpa, wonderful brother, and dear friend to many. He will be genuinely missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his loving wife, Carolyn Spink; 2 children, Michael (Erica) Spink and Heather (James) Staal; 4 grandchildren, Hayden and Maya Spink and Jacob and Nathan Staal; brother, Michael (JoAnn) Spink; sister, Ellen Spink; niece, Sara (Jared) Kennedy; and great nephew, Flynn Kennedy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Jo Spink. A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00AM on Saturday, April 30, 2022 at First Congregational Church UCC, 1201 Jefferson St., Muskegon, MI 49441 with visitation from 10:00-11:00AM. A visitation with the family will be held from 5:00-8:00PM on Friday, April 29, 2022 at The Lee Chapel of Sytsema Funeral & Cremation Services, 6291 S. Harvey St., Muskegon, MI 49444. Memorial Contributions in Neil's honor can be made to the Joan O'Neil Spink Scholarship Fund. The family would like to thank the staff of Spectrum Health Rehabilitation and Nursing Center on Kalamazoo Ave. for the wonderful care and friendships they provided Neil the past 3 years.